"Democratic backsliding in recent years has been characterised by gradual, often legalistic shifts, rather than overt actions like coups. Europe is seeing worrying declines in electoral integrity, civil liberties and rule of law. There are several factors driving democratic backsliding in Europe, bu
...
t we often focus on the most obvious ones. The Philea team has developed the Democracy Iceberg to help philanthropy tackle root causes instead of just symptoms of democratic decline. Foundations have countless opportunities to address the root causes of democratic backsliding. For inspiration, we have compiled a short list of possible actions." (Executive Summary)
more
"This Working Paper addresses this challenge of adopting innovations. How can development organisations institutionalise a new way of working, bringing what was once novel to the core of how business is done? Analysing successful adoption efforts across five DAC agencies, the paper lays out a propos
...
ed process for the adoption of innovations. The paper features five case-studies and concludes with a set of lessons and recommendations for policy makers on innovation management generally, and adoption of innovation in particular." (Abstract)
more
"This strategy paper answers the following question: What can the donors, media NGOs, and the management of professional media both in exile and in Belarus do to maintain the quality and the reach of Belarusian independent journalism?" (Executive summary)
"This chapter has outlined the philosophical motivations and strategic practices of philanthrocapitalists, interrogating the key place of communication technology and media storytelling within their humanitarian activities. It also explored the central critiques of philanthrocapitalism that have eme
...
rged in response, suggesting that oppositional narratives have played only a minor role in public sphere debates. Fundamentally, philanthrocapitalists have recognized the key role that advocacy plays in setting the agenda of media, policymakers, and the public, cultivating a number of powerful tools to ensure that the stones that get the most attention are those that reflect their own priorities and strategies for humanitarian action. Indeed, at a time when approximately 63 percent of Americans get their news from Facebook, the philanthrocapitalist agenda of the newly created Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative might have the best media platform yet to shape and measure the perspectives of the public. Looking forward, it seems that some balance is needed between recognizing the good work that these philanthrocapitalists can achieve, on one hand, while having opportunities to hold them accountable and propose alternative solutions, on the other." (Conclusion)
more
"The main findings of the review are: 1. General consensus on the importance of research communication among the donors interviewed, and wide interest in developing appropriate programmes and mechanisms. 2. Little evidence of a strategic approach within individual agencies, with research communicati
...
on generally dispersed within the organisation. 3. Emphasis continues to be on the supply side of research, with a weak understanding of and capacity to support the demand side of research communication. 4. Many examples of good practice and of innovative initiatives, also related to engaging users and other stakeholders in the research communication process. 5. Several donors are placing a priority on being a learning organisation, with research communication contributing to internal knowledge management. 6. No comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation systems in place to assess the effectiveness and relevance of various research communication approaches, and to feed this information back into research communication policy and investment decisions. 7. Most donors maintain their own web portals / archives of research findings. 8. There is a strong interest among donors to explore and expand open access to funded research findings. 9. Most donors would welcome strengthening networking and linkages between donors interested in research communication to improve efficiency and effectiveness, for shared learning and for greater impact. 10. DFID is recognized and valued as one of the leaders in the field of research communication." (Summary)
more
"This is a common publication of 14 ecumenical Southern and Northern NGO's which focuses on key characteristics of PME and on "guidelines for good practice". A case study from Bangladesh shows how PME can be implemented in practice, and there is a helpful glossary of key terms." (commbox)